[But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamites for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Lately, this passage has not left my thoughts.
There are a few reasons for this but most are probably tied to the word, "grace."
Grace is something that I will need for the rest of my life. It will likely be impossible for me, or anyone, to live a life that does not need the grace of God. I would assume that most do not know how much it is truly needed and how much life grace gives.
To call grace undeserved is an understatement. That is simply made known through the definition of the word: "The free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners." Perhaps the trouble that people sometimes have with grace stems from one simply knowing himself. In my life, I do not have to look far to see things that I have done or thought that tell me I am unworthy of grace.
I know the depths of my mistakes.
I've seen some of the hurt my decisions have caused.
I know the thoughts that would make many blush.
I know that when looking at my life, I fit the description of a wretch.
It is easy for me to condemn myself.
It is easy for me to think that I do not deserve it.
It is easy because it is true.
I do not deserve grace.
I do not deserve to be forgiven.
I deserve death.
That is the importance of grace, and that is the Gospel.
I am not the only one that deserves death, everyone does.
Life is not about me and my failures.
Life is not about my screwups.
Life is not about how many people I have hurt.
I lose my place in life when I dwell on these things and think about how terrible I have been.
It leads to being in a place filled with gloom.
It leads to believing that I am in this alone.
It leads to a secret life. It leads to hiding important details of life from others out of fear, shame, or pride. This is not the intended course for life.
This is a life away from the realization of grace being sufficient.
To understand the sufficiency of grace, one must realize he is not above grace.
To need grace does not make one less of a person.
Needing grace is part of the basic human condition.
Understanding the sufficiency of grace allows one to be the person God created him or her to be.
It allows one to have an identity that is not rooted in selfishness or sin.
It is a step towards living a life that is worthy of the name, "Christian."
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Lately, this passage has not left my thoughts.
There are a few reasons for this but most are probably tied to the word, "grace."
Grace is something that I will need for the rest of my life. It will likely be impossible for me, or anyone, to live a life that does not need the grace of God. I would assume that most do not know how much it is truly needed and how much life grace gives.
To call grace undeserved is an understatement. That is simply made known through the definition of the word: "The free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners." Perhaps the trouble that people sometimes have with grace stems from one simply knowing himself. In my life, I do not have to look far to see things that I have done or thought that tell me I am unworthy of grace.
I know the depths of my mistakes.
I've seen some of the hurt my decisions have caused.
I know the thoughts that would make many blush.
I know that when looking at my life, I fit the description of a wretch.
It is easy for me to condemn myself.
It is easy for me to think that I do not deserve it.
It is easy because it is true.
I do not deserve grace.
I do not deserve to be forgiven.
I deserve death.
That is the importance of grace, and that is the Gospel.
I am not the only one that deserves death, everyone does.
Life is not about me and my failures.
Life is not about my screwups.
Life is not about how many people I have hurt.
I lose my place in life when I dwell on these things and think about how terrible I have been.
It leads to being in a place filled with gloom.
It leads to believing that I am in this alone.
It leads to a secret life. It leads to hiding important details of life from others out of fear, shame, or pride. This is not the intended course for life.
This is a life away from the realization of grace being sufficient.
To understand the sufficiency of grace, one must realize he is not above grace.
To need grace does not make one less of a person.
Needing grace is part of the basic human condition.
Understanding the sufficiency of grace allows one to be the person God created him or her to be.
It allows one to have an identity that is not rooted in selfishness or sin.
It is a step towards living a life that is worthy of the name, "Christian."
